HISTORY – COLD WAR

The Grand Alliance and the Emergence of the Cold

War
The Grand Alliance was an informal agreement between the United States, the United
Kingdom, and the Soviet Union during World War II. The alliance was formed in 1941, after
Germany invaded the Soviet Union, and lasted until the end of the war in 1945.

The End of the Grand Alliance

By the end of the war, the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union had
deteriorated significantly. The Soviet Union, led by Joseph Stalin, was determined to gain
control of important German military sites, while the United States and the United Kingdom
were suspicious of Soviet intentions.

Event Date Description

Soviet and US forces meet in Central April 25,

Germany 1945 Marked the beginning of the end of the war in

April 29, Stalin's determination to gain control of the c

Soviet troops take control of Berlin 1945 Union

Germany formally surrenders May 8, 1945 Marked the end of World War II in Europe

Ideological Differences and the Emergence of the Cold War

The relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union was strained due to
ideological differences between communism and capitalism.
"Communism is a system in which the state owns the means of production, and there is no
private ownership of property."
"Capitalism is a system in which private individuals and businesses own the means of
production, and there is competition between them."
The Soviet Union feared that the United States and the United Kingdom wanted to impose their
capitalist ideology on the Soviet people, while the United States and the United Kingdom feared
that the Soviet Union wanted to spread communism worldwide.

Comparison of the Soviet Union and the United States

Category Soviet Union United States

Government Single-party rule Free elections with multiple parties

Social Structure Classless society Social hierarchy based on wealth, education

Economy State-owned property Private ownership and competition

Rights Emphasis on collective rights Emphasis on individual freedoms

Historical Context and the Emergence of the Cold War

The relationship between the Soviet Union and the United States was also strained due to
historical events, including:
• The Russian Revolution of 1917, in which the Bolsheviks took power and established a
communist government
• The Treaty of Versailles, which imposed harsh penalties on Germany and contributed to
the rise of Nazi Germany
• The Nazi-Soviet Pact, a non-aggression treaty between Germany and the Soviet Union
that was signed in 1939 and lasted until Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941
These events contributed to a deep-seated mistrust between the Soviet Union and the United
States, which ultimately led to the emergence of the Cold War.

The Grand Alliance and the Conferences of Tehran,

Yalta, and Potsdam
The Grand Alliance
The Grand Alliance was a coalition of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet
Union formed during World War II to counter the Axis powers. Despite their differences, the
three nations needed to work together to defeat Germany and Japan.

The Tehran Conference (1943)

The first meeting of the Grand Alliance took place in Tehran, Iran, in November 1943. The
conference aimed to plan a strategy to end the war.

Key Agreements:
• The United States and the United Kingdom would open a second front against Germany
in Western Europe.
• The Soviet Union would declare war against Japan and supply troops to help the United
States after the war in Europe was over.
• Germany would be weakened after the war, and Poland would receive land from
Germany.

• The Soviet Union could keep the land seized from Poland in 1939.
The International Body
"The international body should be set up to settle disputes through discussion and negotiation
rather than war."

This idea laid the groundwork for the future creation of the United Nations.

The Yalta Conference (1945)

The second meeting of the Grand Alliance took place in Yalta, Soviet Union, in February 1945.
The conference discussed how to bring the war against Germany to a successful conclusion and
the governance of post-war Europe.

Key Agreements:

Issue Agreement

Germany's Division Germany would be split into four zones controlled by the United States, the United King

Reparations Germany would pay $20 billion in reparations, with half going to the Soviet Union.

Nazi Party The Nazi Party would be banned, and war criminals would be prosecuted.

United Nations The United Nations would be established, with its first meeting on April 25, 1945.

Poland Poland's borders would be returned to their 1921 position, and free elections would be
The Potsdam Conference (1945)
The third meeting of the Grand Alliance took place in Potsdam, Germany, in July 1945. The
conference took place after several crucial events, including the death of President Roosevelt,
the replacement of Winston Churchill by Clement Attlee, and the development of the atomic
bomb.

Key Agreements:

Issue Agreement

Germany's Division Germany would be divided into four zones, administered by the Soviet Union, the United

Reparations Each administrative country would take reparations from its own zone.

Berlin Berlin would be divided into four zones controlled by different countries.

The Impact of the Atomic Bomb

The development of the atomic bomb had a significant impact on US-Soviet relations. The
United States hoped that the bomb would give them more leverage in negotiations, but
instead, it made Stalin more determined to secure the Soviet Union's borders.

The Cold War

The atomic bomb dramatically increased tensions between the United States and the Soviet
Union, marking the beginning of the Cold War. The consequences of using atomic bombs made
both nations more reluctant to go to war, but the threat of nuclear war remained a constant
presence throughout the Cold War era.

Soviet Expansion in Eastern Europe

Creation of Soviet Satellite States
After World War II, the Soviet Union freed many countries in Eastern Europe from German
occupation. However, Stalin did not want to give up control of these countries, as they were
useful buffer zones between the Soviet Union and Germany.
Satellite States: Nations that were once independent but are now under the control of another
country.
A satellite state is a country that is under the political, economic, and military control of another
country, in this case, the Soviet Union.

Countries Under Soviet Control

Country Year of Conquest/Occupation

Lithuania 1940

Latvia 1940

Estonia 1940

Poland 1944

Bulgaria 1944

Romania 1944

Eastern Germany 1944

Communist Governments in Eastern Europe

• Yugoslavia and Albania were communist countries, but they were not occupied by the
Soviet Red Army.
• Czechoslovakia was the only democracy in Eastern Europe until 1948, when the
communist government was established.
• In Hungary, the communist government was elected in 1947, after voters were
threatened and intimidated.

Rising Tensions
Both Truman and Stalin were worried about the breakup of the wartime alliance and the
increasing tensions that might lead to future conflict.

Views on the Soviet Union

George Kennan's Long Telegram
George Kennan, the USA's ambassador in Moscow, sent a telegram discussing the US-Soviet
Union relations. His views were taken seriously by the American government.
 • Kennan believed that the Soviet Union was unfriendly to the US and wanted to destroy
capitalism.
• However, he also believed that the Soviet Union was not self-destructive and would
soften its position if faced with a stronger system.

Nikolai Novikov's Telegram

Nikolai Novikov, a Soviet diplomat, sent a telegram saying that the US wanted to dominate the
world and was no longer willing to cooperate with the Soviet Union.
• Novikov's telegram encouraged Stalin to take control of the countries on the Soviet
border.

Winston Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech

In March 1946, Winston Churchill gave a speech in Fulton, Missouri, that is now seen as the
defining moment in US-Soviet relations.
• Churchill made it clear that he thought the Soviet Union was a threat to freedom and
world peace.
• The speech increased tensions and led to the Soviet Union strengthening its forces and
stepping up its anti-Western propaganda campaign.

The Impact of the Truman Doctrine and the

Marshall Plan on US-Soviet Relations
The Truman Doctrine
The Truman Doctrine was a policy introduced by President Harry Truman in 1947, which aimed
to contain the spread of communism in Europe. This doctrine was a response to the Soviet
Union's efforts to expand its influence in the region.
"The Truman Doctrine was a call to action for the United States to provide economic and
military aid to countries threatened by communism, in order to prevent the spread of Soviet
influence in Europe."

Key Points:
• The Truman Doctrine was introduced on March 12, 1947, in a speech by President
Truman to the US Congress.
 • The doctrine stated that the US would provide $400 million in aid to Greece and Turkey,
and send American civilians and military personnel to the region.
• The Truman Doctrine marked a significant shift in US foreign policy, from isolationism to
interventionism.

The Marshall Plan

The Marshall Plan was a program introduced by US Secretary of State George Marshall in 1947,
which aimed to provide economic aid to war-torn countries in Europe. The plan was designed
to help these countries rebuild their economies and resist the spread of communism.
"The Marshall Plan was a comprehensive program of economic aid, which aimed to promote
economic stability and growth in Europe, and to prevent the spread of communism."

Key Points:
• The Marshall Plan was introduced on June 5, 1947, in a speech by Secretary of State
George Marshall.
• The plan provided $13.7 billion in aid to 16 European countries, including Austria,
Belgium, Denmark, France, and the United Kingdom.
• The Marshall Plan was a key component of the Truman Doctrine, and played a
significant role in shaping US foreign policy in the post-war period.

The Impact of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan

The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan had a significant impact on US-Soviet relations, and
marked the beginning of the Cold War.

Key Points:
• The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan were seen as a challenge to Soviet influence
in Europe, and led to a significant increase in tensions between the US and the Soviet
Union.
• The Soviet Union responded to the Marshall Plan by establishing the Council for Mutual
Economic Assistance (COMECON), a economic organization that aimed to promote
economic cooperation among communist states.
• The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan also led to the formation of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a military alliance that aimed to provide collective
defense against the Soviet Union.
COMECON and COMINFORM
COMECON and COMINFORM were two organizations established by the Soviet Union in
response to the Marshall Plan.

Organization Purpose

COMECON Economic organization that aimed to promote economic cooperation among communist states

COMINFORM Political organization that aimed to promote communist ideology and coordinate the activities

Key Points:
• COMECON was established on January 25, 1949, and its members included the Soviet
Union, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.
• COMINFORM was established in 1947, and its members included the Soviet Union,
Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.
• Both organizations played a significant role in promoting Soviet influence in Eastern
Europe, and were seen as a challenge to US influence in the region.

Post-War Germany and the Berlin Blockade

The Division of Germany
After World War II, Germany was divided into four separate occupations controlled by the
Soviet Union, the USA, Britain, and France. The Allied Control Commission (ACC) was the central
organization for the four zones.

Occupying Power Zone

Soviet Union Eastern Zone

USA Western Zone

Britain Western Zone

France Western Zone

The Breakdown of Talks and the Creation of Trizonia

In December 1947, talks between the foreign ministers of the occupying forces broke down,
and the Soviet Union withdrew. The Western countries united their zones, creating Trizonia.

• In 1947, the British and American zones were combined to form the Bizone.

• In March 1948, the French zone was added to create Trizonia.

• In June 1948, the three Western zones created a single currency, the Deutsche Mark, to
give Trizonia economic unity.
The Berlin Blockade
The Soviet Union, led by Stalin, was furious about the creation of Trizonia and the introduction
of the Deutsche Mark. In June 1948, Stalin decided to shut off the land routes across Soviet-
controlled Germany to Berlin, known as the Berlin Blockade.
"The Berlin Blockade was a direct challenge to Truman, as Stalin knew that the Western
occupied zones of Berlin were easy to attack, and that Truman could not ignore the blockade."
The Berlin Airlift
The Western Allies responded to the blockade by launching the Berlin Airlift, also known as
Operation Vittles.
• The airlift began on June 26, 1948, and lasted for nearly a year.
• The Western Allies flew food, coal, and other essential supplies into the city from their
zones along the corridors.

• At its peak, the airlift delivered over 100,000 tons of supplies per month.

The Creation of East and West Germany

The Western Allies quickly moved to create a separate West Germany.

• On May 8, 1949, the USA, Britain, and France created the Federal Republic of Germany.
• On August 14, 1949, the Federal Republic held its first elections, and Konrad Adenauer
became the first democratically elected chancellor.

• The Federal Republic's new capital was Bonn.

Country Capital

Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) Bonn

German Democratic Republic (East Germany) East Berl

The Creation of NATO

The Berlin Blockade and the creation of East and West Germany led to the formation of the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
• In April 1949, the USA, Britain, France, and nine other Western countries signed the
North Atlantic Treaty.
• The treaty established a formal military alliance to protect its members from the Soviet
Union.
• The treaty also established the principle of collective defense, where an attack on one
member would be considered an attack on all members.

The Cold War: 1950-1958

The Korean War
The Korean War was a conflict between North Korea, supported by the Soviet Union, and South
Korea, supported by the United States. The war began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean
forces invaded South Korea.
The 38th Parallel: A circle of latitude that is 38 degrees north of the equator, marking the
border between North Korea and South Korea.
"The Domino Effect is the idea that if one country becomes communist, the other would too, like
a row of falling dominoes."
The United Nations, led by the United States, intervened in the war to support South Korea. The
war ended in 1953, with the signing of the Armistice Agreement, which established the 38th
Parallel as the border between North and South Korea.

The Impact of the Korean War

The Korean War had a significant impact on global relations between the United States and the
Soviet Union.
• The United States committed itself to supporting other countries in Asia that were trying
to resist communism.
• The defense budget in the United States was tripled after the Korean War.
• The Soviet Union increased the size of its armed forces, from 2.8 million soldiers in 1950
to 5.6 million soldiers in 1955.

The Nuclear Arms Race

The nuclear arms race was a competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to
develop and deploy nuclear weapons.

Year Event

1945 The United States develops the atomic bomb.

1949 The Soviet Union develops its own atomic bomb.

1952 The United States develops the hydrogen bomb.

1953 The Soviet Union develops its own hydrogen bomb.

1957 The United States develops the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

1957 The Soviet Union tests its own ICBM.

Deterrence
Deterrence is a force that prevents something from happening.
"Deterrence is a force that prevents something from happening. In the context of the nuclear
arms race, deterrence refers to the idea that the threat of nuclear war would prevent either side
from launching a nuclear attack."
New Leaders

In 1953, both the United States and the Soviet Union had new leaders.
• Dwight Eisenhower: Elected president of the United States in 1952, took office in
January 1953. Eisenhower was determined to block any attempts of communist
expansion, but he was also aware of the dangers created by nuclear weapons.
• Nikita Khrushchev: Emerged as the effective ruler of the Soviet Union in 1956.
Khrushchev believed in peaceful coexistence with the West and was willing to negotiate
with the United States.
Peaceful Coexistence
Peaceful coexistence was a policy of the Soviet Union that aimed to reduce tensions with the
West.
"Peaceful coexistence was based on the growing belief that Soviet communist philosophy was
superior to Western capitalism, but it would eventually collapse."
The Warsaw Pact
The Warsaw Pact was a communist defensive military alliance formed by the Soviet Union in
response to the Federal Republic of Germany joining NATO.

Member States

Soviet Union

Poland

Czechoslovakia

Hungary

Romania

Bulgaria

Albania

German Democratic Republic (East Germany)

The Warsaw Pact was under the command of the Soviet Union, and its leadership was entirely
Soviet.

The Hungarian Uprising of 1956

Background
Hungary had been under strict Soviet control since 1945, when the Red Army liberated it from
German occupation. Non-communist political parties were banned, and key officials of the
government, police, and army were chosen by Stalin.

De-Stalinization
De-Stalinization refers to the process of reversing the policies and practices of Joseph Stalin, who
ruled the Soviet Union from 1922 to 1953. This process began after Stalin's death and led to a
relaxation of Soviet control in Eastern Europe.
A crucial speech in 1955 by Nikita Khrushchev, Stalin's successor, marked the beginning of de-
Stalinization. This led to a series of reforms in Poland, where a new leader, Władysław
Gomułka, introduced modern reforms and encouraged Hungary to push for changes as well.
The Uprising
In 1956, the people of Hungary began to protest about their lack of political freedom and
problems created by fuel shortages and poor harvests. In October, riots broke out in the capital,
Budapest, and police fired on protesters.

Event Date Description

Riots in Budapest October 1956 Police fired on protesters, leading to widesp

Imre Nagy becomes Prime Minister October 1956 Nagy, a former Prime Minister, was reinstat

Soviet invasion November 4, 1956 Tanks were ordered to Budapest, and suppo

Imre Nagy's Reforms

Imre Nagy, a communist who believed in personal freedoms within a communist regime,
proposed a series of reforms, including:

• Hungary leaving the Warsaw Pact and becoming a neutral country

• A degree of power sharing with non-communist groups

Soviet Reaction
Khrushchev saw Nagy's proposals as a serious threat to the Soviet Union's security strategy,
which relied on surrounding itself with pro-communist governments. He therefore ordered the
Soviet invasion of Hungary.
International Reaction
The international community reacted with sympathy to the Hungarian uprising, but no military
support was offered. The US policy of containment meant that while the USA would take
military action to prevent the Soviet Union from spreading communism beyond its satellite
states, it was not prepared to interfere with the affairs of a country already under communist
control.
Containment refers to the US policy of preventing the spread of communism, while avoiding
direct military confrontation with the Soviet Union.
Country Reaction

USA Sympathetic, but no military support offered

NATO nations in Europe Some took in Hungarian refugees, but no military support offered

Argentina Sympathetic to the Hungarians

The Berlin Crisis

Background
In 1949, Germany was divided into two separate countries: West Germany, a democratic
country, and East Germany, a communist country under the control of the Soviet Union. West
Germany received significant economic aid from the United States and became a wealthy
country, while East Germany struggled economically.

The Refugee Problem

By 1953, over 3 million East Germans had fled to West Germany, many of whom were skilled
workers such as engineers, technicians, and teachers. This brain drain had a significant impact
on East Germany's economy.
Khrushchev's Berlin Ultimatum
In November 1958, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev issued an ultimatum, demanding that the
Western powers recognize East Germany as a separate country and withdraw their troops from
West Berlin. Khrushchev threatened to take control of the routes to West Berlin and the
government of East Germany if his demands were not met.

Summit Meetings
Several summit meetings were held to discuss the Berlin crisis, including:

Meeting Location Date Outcome

Geneva,
Geneva Summit Switzerland May 1959 No agreement was reached, but Khrushchev agree
Meeting Location Date Outcome

Camp David September No agreement was reached, but the meeting help
Meeting Camp David, USA 1959 Eisenhower and Khrushchev.

Paris Summit Paris, France May 1960 The meeting ended in failure after the U2 incident

Vienna Summit Vienna, Austria June 1961 No agreement was reached, but Kennedy refused

The Berlin Wall

On August 13, 1961, East German troops built a barbed wire fence around West Berlin, which
was later replaced by a concrete wall. The wall was designed to prevent East Germans from
fleeing to the West.
Impact of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall had a significant impact on international relations and the people of Germany.
• Physical Barrier: The wall cut through the streets and even buildings, separating families
and friends.
• Refugee Crisis: The wall prevented East Germans from fleeing to the West, but many
still attempted to cross, resulting in the deaths of over 100 people.
• Improved Relations: The wall may have improved relations between East and West
Germany, as the refugee crisis was no longer a major issue.

Impact on the USA and Soviet Union

The Berlin Wall had both positive and negative outcomes for the USA and Soviet Union.

USA:
• Negative: The Soviet Union had closed the border without consulting the USA,
preventing people from escaping from East Germany.
• Positive: The wall showed that Khrushchev had been forced to accept Western control
in West Berlin and that he did not think he could get away with bullying Kennedy
anymore.

Soviet Union:
• Negative: The wall showed that the Soviet Union had to lock people into East Germany
to stop them leaving, and that given a choice, they seemed to prefer capitalism over
communism.
 • Positive: The wall sent a message that communism would survive in Berlin and that any
attempt to reunite Germany under Western control would fail.

Kennedy's Visit to West Berlin

In 1963, Kennedy visited West Berlin, where he was greeted by thousands of West Berliners. He
praised the freedom and bravery of the West Berliners in a famous speech, saying "Ich bin ein
Berliner" (I am a citizen of Berlin).

The Cuban Revolution and its Aftermath

The Cuban Revolution, led by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, overthrew the pro-American
government of Cuba in January 1959. This created tension between the USA and Cuba, which
grew into a crisis threatening world peace.

Key Players

Name Role

Fidel Castro Leader of the Cuban Revolution

Che Guevara Co-leader of the Cuban Revolution

Dwight Eisenhower President of the United States

John F. Kennedy President of the United States (after Eisenhower)

Aftermath of the Revolution

The American government refused to recognize the new government of Cuba unless it followed
guidelines set out by the International Monetary Fund. In response, Castro took over all land in
Cuba owned by foreigners and began appointing communist officials to his government.

The Bay of Pigs Incident

In April 1961, a group of Cuban exiles, trained and supported by the CIA, launched an invasion
of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs. The invasion was a failure, and Castro's government was able to
defeat the exiles.

Causes of the Bay of Pigs Failure

• Lack of experience among the exile forces

 • Insufficient support from the US military

• Castro's government was aware of the invasion plans

• Many ordinary Cubans supported Castro's government and did not want to see it
overthrown
Effects of the Bay of Pigs Incident
The Bay of Pigs incident was a humiliating defeat for the US and led to a strengthening of
relations between Cuba and the Soviet Union.

The Cuban Missile Crisis

In October 1962, the Soviet Union began building nuclear missile sites in Cuba, just 145
kilometers from the US mainland. This led to a crisis in which the US and the Soviet Union came
close to nuclear war.

Key Events of the Cuban Missile Crisis

Date Event

October 16, 1962 Kennedy calls together the Executive Committee to discuss the crisis

October 22, 1962 Kennedy announces the discovery of the missile sites and imposes a naval blockade

October 24, 1962 Soviet ships approach the blockade, but ultimately turn back

October 26, 1962 Khrushchev offers to remove the missiles in exchange for a US promise not to invad

October 28, 1962 Kennedy agrees to Khrushchev's proposal

Brinkmanship
Brinkmanship is a policy of pushing a situation to the point where the risk of war is high, but not
actually starting a war.
Both Kennedy and Khrushchev were accused of brinkmanship during the Cuban Missile Crisis,
as they both took actions that could have led to war.

Consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis

The Cuban Missile Crisis led to a number of important consequences, including:

 • The establishment of a direct communication line between Washington and Moscow
(known as the "hotline")

• The signing of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1963

• A change in the relationship between Kennedy and Khrushchev, with Kennedy emerging
as a strong leader

• The eventual removal of US missiles from Turkey

Definitions
Hotline: A direct communication line between the leaders of two countries, used to prevent
misunderstandings and reduce the risk of war.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty: A treaty signed in 1963, in which countries agreed not to
share their nuclear technology with other countries.

The Prague Spring and Soviet Invasion

Background
In 1940, the Soviet Union supported the establishment of a pro-communist government in
Czechoslovakia under the regime of the Czech Communist Party, led by Clement Cothold. Life
under communist rule was difficult for the Czech people, with the country effectively ruled by
the Soviet Union.

The Prague Spring

In 1966, Alexander Dubcek was elected as the 1st secretary of the Czech Communist Party,
becoming the head of the Czech government. Dubcek was committed to communism but
believed it should not make life miserable. He introduced reforms known as the Prague Spring,
which aimed to offer socialism with a human face.
Key Features of the Prague Spring:

• Relaxation of censorship and criticism of the government

• Increased powers given to trade unions and regional governments

• Reduction of government control over the economy

• Increased freedom of travel abroad

• Discussion of multiparty elections

Soviet Response
The Soviet leadership, led by Leonid Brezhnev, disapproved of Dubcek's reforms, fearing they
would lead to a loss of control over Czechoslovakia and potentially inspire other Warsaw Pact
countries to follow suit.
The Brezhnev Doctrine
"The actions of an individual communist country affect all communist countries. If one country is
actually threatened, then it would be the duty of those countries to step in and stop those
actions."
— Leonid Brezhnev

The Soviet Invasion

On August 20, 1968, 500,000 Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia, ending the Prague
Spring. The invasion was met with little opposition, and Dubcek was arrested and sent to
Moscow.

Consequences of the Invasion:

Country Response

Yugoslavia Condemned the invasion

Romania Condemned the invasion

Italy Communist party cut links with Moscow

France Communist party cut links with Moscow

East Germany Welcomed the invasion

Poland Welcomed the invasion

USA Made strong protests to the Soviet Union

Impact on International Relations

The Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia had significant implications for international relations.

Impact on US-Soviet Relations:

• The USA made strong protests to the Soviet Union but did not take direct action.
 • The invasion highlighted the limitations of US power in Europe.

Impact on US International Reputation:

• The USA was seen as keen to criticize the Soviet Union but unwilling to take action.
• The invasion occurred during the US involvement in the Vietnam War, which further
eroded US credibility.

Conclusion
The Prague Spring and Soviet invasion marked a significant turning point in the Cold War,
highlighting the limits of Soviet tolerance for reform and the constraints on US power in
Europe.

Post-War Arms Race and Nuclear Treaties

The Cuban Missile Crisis and the Hotline
The Cuban Missile Crisis highlighted the risk of devastating war breaking out almost by accident.
In response, a system of direct communication was established between the White House in
Washington and the Kremlin in Moscow to allow discussions in times of crisis. This hotline was
not used frequently, but it was utilized by Nixon and Brezhnev in 1971 during the war between
India and Pakistan.

The Limited Test Ban Treaty (LTBT)

The Limited Test Ban Treaty is an international agreement that prohibits nuclear explosions in
the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater.

Country Year Signed

United States 1963

Soviet Union 1963

United Kingdom 1963

The LTBT was signed by the United States, Soviet Union, and United Kingdom in 1963. The
treaty prohibited nuclear explosions in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater, and it
also prohibited explosions that would cause radioactive debris to be present outside the
borders of the state conducting the explosion. A total of 130 countries signed the treaty after
1963.

The Outer Space Treaty

The Outer Space Treaty is an international agreement that regulates the exploration and use of
outer space.

Key Provision Description

Exploration and Use Outer space should be explored and used for the benefit of all countries.

No Nuclear Weapons Nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction cannot be placed in orbi

Peaceful Purposes The moon and other celestial bodies should be used exclusively for peaceful purpo

Responsibility States are responsible for damage caused by their space objects.

Contamination States should avoid harmful contamination of space and celestial bodies.

The Outer Space Treaty was signed in 1967 by the United States, Soviet Union, United Kingdom,
and later by 12 other countries. The treaty regulates the exploration and use of outer space,
prohibits nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in orbit or on celestial
bodies, and requires states to use the moon and other celestial bodies for peaceful purposes.

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is an international agreement that aims to prevent the
spread of nuclear weapons.

Category Description

Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) The United States, Soviet Union, China, France, and United Kingdom a

Non-Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS) NNWS agree not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons and to work

The NPT was signed in 1968 by the United States and 58 other countries. The treaty divides
countries into two categories: nuclear weapon states (NWS) and non-nuclear weapon states
(NNWS). NNWS agree not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons and to work towards
disarmament, while NWS agree not to transfer nuclear weapons to NNWS.
Detente and the Thaw
Detente refers to a period of relaxation in tensions between two countries or groups that were
previously at war or hostile to each other.

Causes of Detente
• The Vietnam War had shown the USA that military might did not always achieve its
aims.
• The war was extremely expensive, with the USA spending around $170 billion on it.
• The USA had many social problems, including inequality between rich and poor, white
and black, which led to urban riots in 1968.
• The assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King in 1968 further highlighted the
need for change.

Nixon's Foreign Policy

Richard Nixon was elected president of the USA in 1968 and was determined to take his country
out of the Vietnam War. He had a personal ambition to reduce tensions between the USA and
the Soviet Union and establish relations with the People's Republic of China.

Why the USA Wanted Detente

• The USA wanted to spend less money on weapons and more on trying to solve social
problems.

• Nixon hoped to gain public approval by reducing Cold War tensions.

• The USA was concerned about the growing power of China, which had tested its first
diplomatic bomb in 1964 and its first nuclear missile in 1966.
Why the Soviet Union Wanted Detente
• The Soviet Union felt that it was a good time to take up better relations with the USA, as
the USA was equal in nuclear weapons and could discuss arms limitations from a
position of strength.
• The Soviet Union had economic problems and wanted to cut spending on weapons and
devote more resources to improving living standards and updating its economy.

China's Role in Detente 🇨🇳

Although Nixon was worried about the Soviet Union and China reaching an agreement,
relations between the two countries were actually becoming worse. China and the Soviet Union
had a treaty of friendship, alliance, and mutual assistance, but Mao had been offended by the
treaty and felt that China had been given poor accommodation and not treated with respect.

The Shanghai Communique

In February 1972, Nixon met with Mao in Beijing and signed the Shanghai Communique, which
agreed that the peaceful resolution of the Taiwan problem should be found.

SALT 1

The Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT) was signed in May 1972 and was the result of
several years of negotiations. The treaty set agreements between the USA and the Soviet Union
on the limitation of nuclear arms.
Key Provisions of SALT 1

Treaty Description

Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM)

Treaty Limited the number of ABMs to 100 per country

Placed restrictions on the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM

Interim Treaty (SLBMs)

Basic Principles Agreement Laid down rules for the conduct of nuclear warfare to prevent the spread of

Limitations of SALT 1
• Did not cover the latest technological developments, such as multiple independently
targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs)

• Did not prevent the development of new nuclear arms

• Was seen as a symbolic gesture rather than a significant reduction in nuclear arms

Impact of SALT 1

SALT 1 had a significant impact on international relations, demonstrating that the USA and the
Soviet Union could reach agreements and reduce tensions. The treaty also led to further
negotiations, including SALT 2, which aimed to find agreements on matters not covered by SALT
1.